Are you protected? - NHS Essex Integrated Care Board

Are you protected?

Learn about vaccinations that help protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, and who should have them.

 Vaccination for Pneumonia – Meningitis – Sepsis

Pneumonia, pneumococcal, meningitis

There are lots of long medical words in this booklet.

woman reading booklet

We have kept them in this booklet.

new-mo-cac-all pronunciation

Sometimes we show you how to say the word in blue boxes.

Explanation of Pneumonia: An infection in the lungs

We also explain what the words mean.

A person receiving an injection

The name of the vaccine which protects you against Pneumonia – Meningitis – Sepsis is the pneumococcal vaccine.

Symbol representing speech, communication, or spoken information.

You say it like: new – mo – coc – all

A pair of hands in blue surgical gloves holding needle and vial

We shall say Vaccine in this easy-read booklet.

Easy Read Placer Image

You can get a free Vaccine if you are 65 or over.

older male smiling

You can also get a Vaccine if your immune system is weak.

Illustration of a person surrounded by germs and bacteria

This means you are more likely to get ill or be unwell for longer than other people.

Unwell woman blowing nose and wearing a cold compress on forehead

There are other medical conditions when the vaccine is a good idea.

Icon representing health

We have written these on pages 9 and 10.

Man holding numbered checklist or list on board

We have written these on pages 9 and 10

Man gesturing. A speech bubble with the words

How vaccines work

Find out how the vaccine works:

illustration showing two people standing among cartoon-like germs and microbes.

Vaccines teach your immune system to protect you from diseases.

A smiling woman gives a thumbs-up while holding a “Safe” sign with a shield icon. A healthcare worker in blue scrubs waves beside a care-home style building, suggesting safety and healthcare support.

It is much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them.

illustration showing a person standing confidently among cartoon-like germs and microbes.

Once your immune system knows how to fight a disease, it can often give you protection for a long time.

woman stands beside a thought bubble with a question mark, suggesting confusion, concern, or uncertainty.

What is it for?

Fin out who the vaccine if for:

A medical shield with a white cross blocks surrounding germs and bacteria, representing protection against illness or infection.

The Vaccine helps protect against infections that cause serious illnesses.

Microscopic bacteria associated with meningitis, sepsis, and pneumonia.

Examples are meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia.

Illustration of the brain

Meningitis is an infection in the brain and spine.

Illustration of bacteria in the bloodstream, representing sepsis

Sepsis is a serious reaction to an infection.

Illustration of the lungs affected by pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs.

Illustration of sinus and ear infections causing pain and inflammation.

The Vaccine also helps to protect against other illnesses such as sinus infections and ear infections.

woman reading booklet

Find out on the next page if you are someone who the Vaccine is for.

Group of people beside a vaccine and question mark icon, representing questions or decisions about vaccination.

Who is it for?

The Vaccine is for:

Caregivers supporting elderly and disabled people with mobility and daily living activities.

People with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease

Smiling elderly couple

People who are 65 or over

Woman taking medication beside a calendar icon, representing a treatment or medication schedule.

People who have a long-term medical condition.

Man holding numbered checklist or list on board

Here is a list of the long-term conditions.

Illustration of sickle cell disease affecting red blood cells in the bloodstream.

Sickle cell disease

Illustration of spleen pain

Spleen problems or you have had your spleen removed

Illustration of healthy lungs and respiratory health.

A long-term problem with your breathing.

For example, COPD or Cystic Fibrosis.

Doctor holding a kidney health symbol, representing kidney care or treatment.

Kidney disease

Medical equipment and medication used for diabetes care and monitoring.

Diabetes

Woman experiencing chest pain or breathing difficulties.

A heart condition

Illustration of liver pain or liver disease.

A liver condition

Illustration of a person surrounded by germs and bacteria

A weak immune system

Child wearing a Cochlear implant

Cochlear implant.

This is a small ear device which helps with hearing.

Healthcare worker speaking on the phone at a GP support or advice desk.

Please speak to someone at your GP surgery if:

Man thinking about getting a vaccine or injection.

you would like to find out more about the Vaccine

NHS vaccine appointment reminder with date and time details.

you would like to book a vaccine appointment

Woman speaking on a mobile phone, representing communication or support.

Remember when you speak to someone at your GP surgery:

Symbol representing speech, communication, or spoken information.

You say it like: new – mo – coc – all

This easy-read booklet has been created with the help of people who use easy-read materials themselves. 

Published in January 2025 by Essex ICB.